There are many invasive plants in the UK, growing in people’s gardens without them even realising.

One common invasive weed which many people know about is Japanese knotweed, which can cause lots of structural damage if not dealt with.

However, according to the experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk, one beautiful plant which is extremely common in UK gardens could be “wreaking havoc” on your home and garden.

A shrub called buddleia, also known as butterfly bush, could be “more dangerous” than the commonly known Japanese knotweed.

The experts said the shrub spreads by seed fast and can quickly germinate in unwanted areas, including roofs, walls and windowsills.

Their strong roots have the ability to grow through buildings and foundations, giving them the potential to cause some “costly damage” to homes.

Because of this, the experts have warned that having this shrub in your garden could negatively impact house prices.

It could also pose a risk to the environment as it outcompetes native plants by taking up space and spreading its roots.

Due to the nectar it produces, the bush distracts pollinators from native co-flowering species, according to the experts.

They warned this then reduces the reproductive and survival success of other garden plants.

If you do have this shrub in your garden, it is recommended to remove it and replace it with something less invasive.

Treat the plant with herbicide by spraying or injecting it into the trunk which will cause it to “wither and die”.

If your butterfly bush is already causing damage to your home’s structure, then it must be removed by professionals.

A spokesperson for the company said: “When it comes to avoiding plants, most gardeners and homeowners know to stay clear of the pesky Japanese Knotweed.

“Buddleia is admired by many because of its beautiful flowers and full shrub make it an attractive addition to any garden. The shrubs also attract butterflies and are loved by birds and bees.

“However buddleia, or butterfly bush, is another risky shrub to stay away from. If you already have a butterfly bush and are concerned it may be impacting your garden and home, you must treat it effectively to make sure it doesn’t come back.

“If your butterfly bush has crawled up the side of your home, you will need professional help to make sure the shrub hasn’t impacted the infrastructure of your home.

“Any structural damage can be extremely expensive and time-consuming to repair.

“If the shrub is further away from your home, one way to prevent it from spreading and germinating is to prune the flowers before they are able to seed.”